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ASSOCIATION • From the OABA Chair
Chair’s Message Getting off the Road
Blake Huston, OABA Chair 2025 A
s the trucks roll home and the lights on the mid- way go dark, there’s that familiar mix of exhaustion and pride that settles in, there’s a quiet rhythm
that settles across the midway world. The roar of generators have been silenced, the laughter of fairgoers replaced by the steady hum of reflection. We’ve spent months chasing sun- rises and state lines, spreading thrills, smiles, and memories — and now it’s time to catch our breath. For many of us, “getting off the road” is both a relief and a
challenge. The pace slows, but the mind doesn’t. We think about the miles traveled, the fairs that shined brightest, and the people — both on the midway and behind the scenes — who make it all possible. Crews, concessionaires, ride operators, and suppli- ers alike all share in the same ritual of wrapping up the season, patching what needs fixing, and planning for the next run. This time of year, is more than rest; it’s reset. It’s when we
sharpen our tools, clean up our ledgers, and reflect on what worked — and what didn’t. It’s also when the OABA’s mission
feels most important: to unite us as one voice when the
equipment is parked and the fairgrounds go quiet. Our work doesn’t stop when the trucks do — it shifts gears. Advocacy, education, membership, and support continue through the winter months, making sure that when spring comes, we’re stronger than before. As you roll into your own version of the offseason — wheth-
er it’s a workshop in Florida, a farm in Indiana, or a lot in Texas — take a moment to appreciate what this year meant. We’ve faced challenges in labor, weather, logistics, and costs. But through it all, the spirit of the showman never wavered. It’s that grit, that pride, that sense of family that keeps this busi- ness alive generation after generation. Take a moment to enjoy what you’ve built. This business
isn’t easy, but it’s ours. And it’s full of people who wouldn’t trade this life for anything. Rest. Rebuild. Reflect. And know that the OABA is here, working for you — keeping the lights ready to shine when the road calls again. Here’s to the close of one great season, and the promise of
another.
For Showmen. For Tradition. For Tomorrow. Blake R. Huston
*check weekly XtraXt for December member birthdays! |
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